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The fatal cable car incident in Portugal's capital that took 16 lives in the beginning of September was attributed to a faulty wire, according to the authoritative inquiry released on the start of the week.

This investigation has recommended that Portugal's capital's equivalent cable cars stay non-operational until their safety can be thoroughly confirmed.

Details of the Tragic Incident

The accident occurred when the 19th-century Elevador da Glória left the rails and collided into a edifice, shocking the metropolis and highlighting grave concerns about the security of ageing tourist attractions.

Portugal's accident investigation agency (the bureau) stated that a line linking two compartments had come loose shortly before the incident on 3 September.

Early Findings

The early analysis confirmed that the cable failed to meet the specified requirements established by the local transit authority.

The cable was not in compliance with the standards in force to be employed for the Glória tram.

This detailed analysis also advised that the remaining funiculars in the city must be kept out of service until inspectors can ensure they have effective stopping mechanisms designed of halting the cabins in the event of a cable break.

Casualties and Injuries

Among the sixteen casualties, eleven were foreign nationals, including three UK nationals, 2 South Koreans, 2 Canadians, a Frenchwoman, one Swiss, an citizen of the United States, and a Ukrainian.

The accident also injured about 20 individuals, including 3 British citizens.

The local fatalities featured 4 staff members from the same social care institution, whose workplace are situated at the top of the steep alley serviced by the cable car.

Operational Context

This Elevador da Glória first opened in the late 19th century, using a system of balancing weights to move its 2 compartments along its 870-foot track ascending and descending a steep hill.

According to authorities, a routine check on the date of the accident detected nothing unusual with the wire that later broke.

The probers also noted that the driver had applied the vehicle's stopping mechanism, but they were powerless to stop the car without the function of the weight compensation system.

The whole event transpired in just 50 seconds, according to the investigation.

Upcoming Actions

This investigative body is scheduled to issue a final document with security recommendations within the following twelve months, though an preliminary report may deliver more information on the development of the probe.